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Travel Luggage and Packing

I am new to a role that will require 90% travel - generally the trips will last between 3-7 days, all be airline-used. I have yet to buy a suitcase and do not want to spend more than $150 or so (after a discount I hope) on a bag. So my questions are...

1. What is the most durable/practical case I could get in that price range?

Im a guy, business travel, and was looking at 26" Delsey. Is that a pretty good brand? I need something that's gonna hold up well for weekly airline usage. I was told to stick away from brands like Amerian Tourister and some of the "designer" names like Kenneth Cole, London Fog, etc.

Well, 26 inch sounds a bit big to me. the first question is whether you're going to check a bag, or will try to go for carry-on only. If you google you'll find several places with detailed packing advice. You might start here: http://www.onebag.com/

"I was assuming this was for business travel that would require suits, fresh shirts each day, tie, dress shoes. Plus casual clothes, gym clothes, etc. for off hours."

Me too. Can be done in a 22 incher. I get lots of business travelers in my packing classes - - suit and another pair of slacks in the suitcase, sports coat and jeans or casual slacks worn on the plane. Bulkiest pair of shoes worn on the plane. Several dress shirts and casual polos or whatever fits the OP's style.

A 24 incher is a bit easier - takes a bit less planning/coordinating. But then there's the risk of it going missing, so he'd have to wear a suit on the flight (just to make sure he has one on arrival) but that does nothing for it's appearance.

Actually, I would not recommend a 22-inch suitcase. You should stick to something no larger than 21 inches that can be carried on. Otherwise, you're going to be spending the larger part of your life waiting in baggage claim for your luggage.

I have a friend who travels this much and he never carries more than a 21-inch.

FYI: Don't limit yourself to $150. You want your bag to be:
1. Durable - in 6 months you;re going to be using your bag as much as a regular traveler does in a lifetime.
2. Lightweight - You have to carry this thing around with you.
3. Sturdy - Ultimately, you'll have to check it sometime.
4. As small as humanly possible - so you can carry on more planes. You'll need to learn to pack lightly and effectively.

Some people would recommend a bag without wheels, something like an Airboss or a Tri-zip. A lot of people will want something sturdy with wheels. I don't think you necessarily have to get a $500 Tumi bag (though one on sale for 50% off from an outlet would certainly be a good investment ... I've had mine since 2002, and it's been all around the world, often checked and even repaired once).

If you get a 26-inch or 24-inch suitcase, I think you are, frankly and honestly, just crazy if you are going to be a serious almost full-time business traveler. These can never be carried onto planes. And a 22-inch bag may not be carried onto many planes. You might end up gate-checking fairly often until you get to elite level.

We have several of the 21" rollaboard Rick Steve's bags. They are lightweight, meet the carryon size requirements, and are extremely durable. My DH has taken over one of them and swears by it. He doesn't need a suit most of the time, but has done that. Usually it is slacks and button down shirts, etc. There is plenty of room for clean clothes each day as well as his few toiletries (he does carryon only about 80% of the time) and his gym clothes and manages fine.

If you're going to be traveling that much buy a suitcase that will hold up with an excellent warranty. I believe Briggs and Riley is the one that offers a lifetime gaurantee.

Usually, I would say to buy a bag at Marshalls but you'll be using the heck out of this one. Spend the money once. Go to a luggage store and get someone to show you the features of the high end suiters before making a choice. Talk about warranties too.

I have a 21" rollerboard and a rolling tote - both by Rick Steves. I've had the rollerboard for about 4 years and am very happy with it. The rolling tote, I've had for about 3 years.

For 2-4 day trips, the rolling tote is often sufficient. For longer trips, I use the 21". This way, I always have the option to carry-on my luggage. Occasionally I have to take a longer trip and I take both - check the 21" and carry on the rolling tote.

Oh - another consideration. If you will be in one location for a couple days, you can always send your laundry out so that you can get by with fewer clothes. It is an added expense, but depending you your company's policies, it may be expensable.

For domestic business travel, I always went with a wheeled carry-on and my laptop bag, waiting for baggage pick up wastes valuable time. Make sure you get a carry-on that has a few compartments to help you organize your contents. I allways roll my clothes to deter the wrinkles and it saves space. Also, get a bag with outside compartments to stick tickets and reading material in for easy access. If necesswary, I can stick my incidentials in my laptop bag. This site seems to have some good info in carry-on bags http://www.22carryon.com Hope this helps and good luck in your new position.

This post is not about the size of your luggage but a tip about the lock mechanism. I recently bought a new piece of luggage with a combination lock attached and at the destination discovered it had been broken into and ruined. Nothing in the suitcase had been taken but it had obviously been rummaged through. Upon complaining to the airline I was told that security will destroy your locks in order to get into your luggage and was advised it was best to get one of the locks that security can open or not lock it at all but put tape around your case.

Terrapin, to answer your first question, you may have to increase your budget if you are looking for something strong and durable that can withstand the rigors of frequent travel. You obviously don’t want the embarrassment of dealing with broken luggage in the middle of an important business trip. You should get exceptional quality luggage in the price range of $250-$400. My first choice would be Briggs and Riley for the durability, packing comfort, and lifetime warranty they offer on their luggage.

When my husband was traveling weekly, he was pleased with the TravelPro rollaboard line. The material was durable. The suit folding mechanism worked OK.
When a handle broke on one they repaired for free and when something went wrong with another early they replaced the bag for free.

This thread is so informative. makes me want to go out and get just one quality carry-on size bag for all of my trips.

I have a question. I have always thought that Samsonite was one of the "good brands" but I didn't see it mentioned by anyone here. Am I behind the times? When I look at my Samsonite pieces, they're all still in excellent shape and have worn the years well. They're just... large.

I've been using Travel Pro - http://www.travelpro.com - bags for years, ever since they were recommended by my brother, an airline pilot, and my sister-in-law, a flight attendant (married to a different brother).

They're durable, attractive, come in a variety of sizes and are reasonably priced, especially if you find them on sale. And, like Kay2 mentioned above, they have great customer service. I use the 19" carry-on for almost every kind of travel, and a smaller wheeled tote, that's handy for quick weekend trips.